Hot Shame by The Atom Age | Album Review

When I’m not busy writing music reviews or freaking out over Suits and The Walking Dead I’m often wondering when the hell The Hives are going to release new material. One of my favourite bands of all time and they have been hidden from the new albums lists for far too long now – please make new material. Please. Anyway very recently it has been brought to my attention that The Atom Age exist, and that they kinda-recently put out a new album called Hot Shame, and today I am here to tell you that it is freaking awesome.

If you like the more angular sound of punk music, the intense thunder of The Hives and getting punched in the face then Hot Shame is the round of fists you definitely should be getting hit by. With songs clocking in at nearly or slightly above two minutes, Hot Shame does not mess around. Right from the get go of It’s a Mess the band lay down some heavy guitars riffs and drums that sound intent on bashing their cymbals over your pretty little head which immediately creates a sense of dread inside that’s both a little unnerving and welcome at the same time. The Atom Age let loose so hard on this track, delivering excellent riffs, drum beats and solos that sound fantastic, and the vocals are very much akin to the prime howling days of Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist.

The title track features some excellent use of vocal duality which coincides nicely with the whole angular, Fugazi vibe the band has got going on. Barracuda add in a touch of groove into the proceedings as the keys take a little bit of the spotlight to allow the mood to mellow just a tad, before bringing things back up to high octane levels for the noodling goodness of Ms. Death Texas.

Hot Shame is a fantastic freaking record from The Atom Age. Never has an album succeeded at shaking things up while maintaining a level of chaotic energy quite as solid as this. All of the tracks feature some excellent riffs and moments that keeps you coming back for more, and the result is another wonderful record to love. Stream it below, and for more music reviews, free downloads and PLEASE MAKE NEW MUSIC THE HIVES check out Exploding Head Syndrome on Facebook and Twitter.